I AM NOT A COOK

I am not a cook, not really.
    I use a cookbook and follow it
        slavishly. My idea of creativity

consists of adding an extra
    1/4 teaspoon of paprika
        to the Betty Crocker recipe

for chili. But I do enjoy cutting
    up the vegetables for a stir
        fry. I like the way the knife

slices through a carrot and
    makes a thunk with each slice
        and I feel great when someone,

anyone, at the table
    says: this is pretty good.
        But I am not a cook.